England and Harlequins loosehead-prop Joe Marler has been picking his non-English dream team.
A product of the Quins academy, Marler has developed into a world-class loosehead prop since becoming a senior squad member in 2010. The charismatic front row was part of Harlequins’ Amlin Challenge Cup and Aviva Premiership winning campaigns in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
The one-club-man made his debut in 2009 and has since gone on to make over 200 appearances, captaining the Club during the 2014/15 season.
A Lions tourist during the 2017 series in New Zealand, the Eastbourne-born prop gained international honours at every age-grade level before going on to earn his senior England debut in 2012, with 71 caps to date.
Marler's cheeky selection features seven All Blacks legends in his team, with three from Ireland, two Welsh, two Australians and a Fijian nicknamed 'The Bus'.
FRONT-ROW
1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
2. Rory Best (Ireland)
3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
SECOND-ROW
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
BACK-ROW
6. Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
7. Justin Tipuric (Wales)
8. Kieran Read (New Zealand)
HALFBACKS
9. Will Genia (Australia)
10. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
CENTRES:
12. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
BACK-THREE:
11. Siteveni Sivivatu (New Zealand)
14. Josua Tuisova (Fiji)
15. Israel Folau (Australia)
On selecting Folau as his fullback, Marler commented, "On the night out, after we had played our match on the Saturday, I'd take him out in Brighton to The Blue Oyster... a couple of clubs."
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